US7050041B1 - Pointing device with a cable storage winding mechanism - Google Patents
Pointing device with a cable storage winding mechanism Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US7050041B1 US7050041B1 US09/699,792 US69979200A US7050041B1 US 7050041 B1 US7050041 B1 US 7050041B1 US 69979200 A US69979200 A US 69979200A US 7050041 B1 US7050041 B1 US 7050041B1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cable
- pointing device
- housing
- receiver
- cable receiver
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime, expires
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/0304—Detection arrangements using opto-electronic means
- G06F3/0317—Detection arrangements using opto-electronic means in co-operation with a patterned surface, e.g. absolute position or relative movement detection for an optical mouse or pen positioned with respect to a coded surface
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/0304—Detection arrangements using opto-electronic means
- G06F3/0312—Detection arrangements using opto-electronic means for tracking the rotation of a spherical or circular member, e.g. optical rotary encoders used in mice or trackballs using a tracking ball or in mouse scroll wheels
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
- G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
- G06F3/03543—Mice or pucks
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to pointing devices for an electronic device such as a computer, and more particularly to a manually controlled pointing device for generating data for pointing to such an electronic device.
- This data is typically used to change the appearance of a display screen.
- the present invention relates to a pointing device having a windable cable storage mechanism within the housing of the mouse.
- a computer mouse is a common pointing device used to generate signals for control of a cursor or reference point on a computer display.
- a computer mouse often includes one or more buttons or switches which can either be dedicated or programmed to correspond to a specific command function (e.g. “click” to select a display icon, “double click” to open the item associated with the display icon, display a menu item, or provide some custom function).
- a computer mouse in addition, often includes a cable for transmitting signals to the display, typically via a computer.
- Other common pointing devices include a trackball, touchpad device, and a joystick. Each of these devices also controls the movement of a cursor on a computer display screen, and typically includes buttons for entering specific functions, and a cable for transmitting data to the microprocessor.
- Portable computers such as laptops, notebooks, hand held and palm top computers, have become quite popular. People are increasingly using portable computers while traveling. In most cases these portable computers contain one or more pointing devices such as, a built in mouse, or a touchpad device, or small joystick, commonly referred to as a pointing stick. Many users find these devices on portable computers to be less than optimal. The small size tends to make them very sensitive to movement, which creates difficulty in easily controlling the movement of the cursor compared to the size of a pointing device found with a desktop computer. They are also typically unfamiliar to desktop personal computer users. Therefore, many users carry a separate, full size computer mouse with them while traveling to use with the portable computer.
- Shape Technologies has recently introduced under the name “Mouse with no tail,” a computer mouse which has a cable winding mechanism built into the mouse.
- This device utilizes a standard opto-mechanical tracking device along with two switches and a flat multi-wire unshielded cable.
- the cable winding mechanism in this device is a two-spool system requiring two distinct and separate spools mounted on top of each other with approximately equal lengths of cable. For example, three feet of cable external to the mouse requires approximately three feet of cable on the second spool remaining inside the mouse at all times.
- the limit in the length of wire which can be external to the mouse is determined by this second spool; that is, the longer the length of cable desired to be external to the mouse, the larger the second spool must be.
- approximately half of the total volume available for storage is used by the length of cable that remains within the mouse body and is not available to the user. This can be quite disadvantageous where space is limited.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a two spool system.
- FIG. 1 a shows the lower spool with the cable fully unwound. In this state the upper spool is in its most tightly wound state.
- FIG. 1 b shows the lower spool with the cable almost fully wound and the upper spool of cable is almost fully unwound.
- Another disadvantage of a two-spool system is that two sharp bends in the flat cable at approximately 90 degrees are used in order to connect the upper spool of cable to the lower spool of cable. This limits the type of cable that can be used and makes the cable more prone to breakage at this point.
- a pointing device which is capable of changing the appearance of a display, includes a housing made up of a cover and a base, a single spool cable receiver rotatably mounted to the housing, and a cable having a first end and a second end with the second end mounted to the cable receiver.
- the pointing device has a first mode with a first portion of the cable having a first length external to the pointing device and a second portion of the cable wound around the cable receiver.
- the pointing device also has a second mode with the first portion of the cable having a second length external to the pointing device less than the first length.
- FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a prior art two spool system with the cable fully unwound;
- FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of a prior art two spool system with the cable fully wound
- FIG. 2 is a diagram of a pointing device coupled to a display according to an embodiment of this invention
- FIG. 3 a is a diagram of a pointing device in a first mode according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 3 b is a diagram of a pointing device in a second mode according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 3 c is a diagram of a pointing device in third mode according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 4 a is a top view of a pointing device according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 4 b is a bottom view of an pointing device according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 4 c is a cross-sectional view of an pointing device according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 4 d is an expanded cross-sectional view of the detent and reference stop according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 4 e is a top view of the detent according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 4 f is a bottom view of the reference stop according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 5 a is a top view of a pointing device according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 5 b is a cross-sectional view of a pointing device according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 5 c is a cross-sectional view of a rotary connector according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 5 d is an end view of pointing device 10 according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 6 a is a top view of a pointing device according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 6 b is a cross-sectional view of a pointing device according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 6 c is a face view of an encoder wheel according to an embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 6 d is an enlarged view of an encoder wheel according to an embodiment of this invention.
- Pointing device 10 is used with display 14 to control the movement of cursor 16 or other reference displayed on display 14 .
- Pointing device 10 includes tracking device 20 , one or more switches 22 , and cable receiver 24 , all contained within housing 30 , and cable 18 providing a communication interface between pointing device 10 and display 14 typically via computer 12 .
- Cable receiver 24 is rotatably mounted to housing 30 .
- Switches 22 are preferably capacitively coupled to cable receiver 24 providing a rotatable non contact electrical connection to cable 18 .
- cable 18 is a shielded cable. Signals generated by tracking device 20 and switches 22 are sent to display 14 through the communication interface using a prescribed protocol.
- Cable receiver 24 is formed to accept cable 18 by winding cable 18 about cable receiver 24 . This provides a compact device capable of storing cable 18 without the need, for a rubber band or tie to keep cable 18 in place.
- tracking device 20 consists of a mechanical, optomechanical, or optical detection system.
- a rubber or rubber coated ball is mounted inside housing 30 such that the ball protrudes slightly from the bottom surface of housing 30 .
- the ball typically rests against two rollers perpendicular to each other with a third spring-loaded roller that captures the ball in place.
- movement of the ball causes sensors to send electrical signals through cable 18 to either display monitor 14 or computer 12 .
- light-emitting diodes (LEDs) coupled to phototransistors sense movement of the ball.
- Optical systems have no moving parts, and typically operate by determining the direction and magnitude of movement using either: a) LEDs (2 different colors, one for each orthogonal direction) and a special reflective pad containing gridlines (spacing for each orthogonal direction optimized for each LED color), by detecting motion using light detectors; or b) by using a system which measures changes in position by optically acquiring images (frames) and mathematically determining motion.
- tracking device 20 is an optical system that includes a sensor, lens and LED assembly manufactured by Agilent Technologies of Palo Alto, Calif., part numbers HDNS-2000 (Sensor), HDNS 2100 (Lens), HDNS-2200 (LED Assembly Clip) and HLMP-ED80 (High Light Output red LED).
- This tracking system embodiment includes no moving parts and allows tracking of device movement over any surface.
- an optical tracking device is preferred over a mechanical or optomechanical device housing a captured ball, because an optical based system takes up considerably less space.
- an optical based tracking device allows the pointing device to be used over non-planar surfaces, thus removing a limitation of many pointing devices, the requirement to use a generally planar pad.
- pointing device 10 can be operated in a plurality of modes.
- a first mode is shown in FIG. 3 a where a relatively large portion of cable 18 is external to pointing device 10 (shown as portion 18 a ) and thus is available to the user.
- this mode operational
- pointing device 10 is connected to display 14 or computer 12 via connector 26 in a typical office or home environment.
- a second mode is shown in FIG. 3 b where a small to non-existent portion of cable 18 is external to pointing device 10 (shown as portion 18 b ).
- this mode storage
- pointing device 10 is not connected to computer 12 or display 14 and a substantial portion of cable 18 is wrapped around cable receiver 24 (not shown).
- a third mode (intermediate) is shown in FIG.
- pointing device 10 is typically connected to display 14 or computer 12 via connector 26 .
- the third mode is typically used in an environment where space may be at a premium (airplane, train, hotel room etc.) and computer 12 or display 14 is in close proximity to pointing device 10 .
- FIG. 4 a an embodiment of pointing device 10 of the present invention in a top view with the cover removed is shown, where cable receiver 24 is rotatably mounted to base 302 through spindle 334 and spindle bracket 332 .
- cable receiver 24 is a single spool.
- a small portion of cable 18 is continuously wound or unwound from the single spool of cable receiver 24 .
- a small portion of cable 18 is typically used to connect to tracking device 20 .
- Cable 18 is shown partially wound around cable receiver 24 . When cable 18 is fully wound around cable receiver 24 , connector 26 is housed in connector receiver 360 .
- FIG. 4 a also shows rotatable disk 330 affixed to shaft 334 which is affixed to cable receiver 24 such that when rotatable disk 330 is rotated, cable receiver 24 is also rotated.
- a top view of rotatable disk 330 is shown in FIG. 4 a in which depressions 350 and 352 are formed into the exterior surface of the top of rotatable disk 330 . Depressions 350 and 352 are preferrably approximately the size and shape of an average finger, but could be other shapes and sizes. The user places their finger in one of these depressions to rotate rotatable disk 330 to wind and unwind cable 18 .
- two smaller apertures 354 and 356 are also formed into the center of depressions 350 and 352 respectively.
- Apertures 354 and 356 are approximately the size of a typical ball point pen tip or the tip of a typical stylus used with various personal digital assistants. The user can place either a ball point pen tip, pencil tip, stylus tip or any other suitable instrument into either circular depressions 354 or 356 to rotate rotatable disk 330 to wind and unwind cable 18 .
- FIG. 4 a also shows switches 22 mounted on switch brackets 340 .
- the majority of cable 18 is capable of being external to pointing device 10 , where majority is defined as greater than 50%.
- 85%–95% of cable 18 is capable of being unwound and external to pointing device 10 . This is in sharp contrast with the prior art where less than 50% of the cable is capable of being unwound and external to the computer mouse.
- FIG. 4 a also shows connector 26 attached to one end of cable 18 . In this embodiment, the other end of cable 18 is attached to tracking device 20 . When cable 18 is fully wound around cable receiver 24 connector 26 fits in connector receiver 360 .
- FIG. 4 b a bottom view is shown where base 302 of housing 30 along with lens 21 and LED 19 , both part of tracking device 20 are visible.
- base 302 has no openings through the base which would allow dirt or debris to get inside of pointing device 10 when in use, unlike more conventional pointing devices which utilize either opto-mechanical tracking devices or pointing devices with cable winding mechanisms which are accessed from the bottom.
- FIG. 4 c is a planar side view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 a – 3 b , where cover 304 encloses the top of base 302 , cover 304 and base 302 make up housing 30 of pointing device 10 .
- Cable receiver 24 is rotatably mounted to housing 30 through spindle 334 and spindle bracket 332 .
- Spindle bracket 332 can extend either from the side or from the bottom of base 302 .
- Cable 18 is shown partially wound around cable receiver 24 .
- Tracking device 20 is integrally housed within cable receiver 24 . In this embodiment, both the tracking mechanism and the tracking electronics which make up tracking device 20 are located within cable receiver 24 and are fully rotatable about the axis formed by spindle 334 .
- tracking device 20 is preferably an optical tracking system as described earlier.
- FIG. 4 c also shows switch 22 mounted on switch bracket 340 .
- switch bracket 340 extends from the side of base 302 it is also desirable to have switch bracket 340 extend up from the bottom of base 302 or extend down from cover 304 .
- Switch button 338 is also shown in FIG. 4 c which when depressed activates switch 22 through switch activator 342 .
- Switch button 338 together with cover 304 define the top exterior surface of housing 30 of pointing device 10 .
- the connection between switch 22 and cable receiver 24 is made by link 336 through capacitive coupling is also shown in FIG. 4 c .
- An example of such capacitive coupling used to detect the change in state of a switch is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,420.
- FIG. 4 c also shows rotatable disk 330 affixed to shaft 334 which is affixed to cable receiver 24 such that when rotatable disk 330 is rotated cable receiver 24 is also rotated. Access to rotatable disk 330 is obtained by opening lid portion 364 attached to cover 304 by hinge 344 . When lid portion 364 is in an open position the user can wind and unwind cable 18 around cable receiver 24 .
- cable 18 can be wound either manually as shown or optionally spring activated with a latching mechanism. If spring activated, a spring with one end attached to the spool contained in cable receiver 24 and the other end attached to housing 30 such that the latch mechanism acts much like that of a window shade or key chain.
- FIG. 4 c also shows detent 382 attached to cable receiver 24 .
- FIG. 4 d is an expanded cross sectional view of detent 382 and reference stop 384 , showing detent 382 attached to cable receiver 24 by lever arm 386 .
- Detent 382 mates with reference stop 384 formed in the bottom surface of the top portion of spindle bracket 332 . With each complete turn of cable receiver 24 this mating will occur.
- detent 382 mates with reference stop 384 the user is provided tactile feedback that a complete revolution of cable receiver 24 has taken place. This in turn provides the user with feedback that tracking device 20 is in proper alignment with housing 30 .
- cursor 16 on display 14 moves in the same direction as the direction the user moves pointing device 10 .
- cursor 16 will also move to the left on display 14 .
- This embodiment preferably contains reference stop 384 to avoid situations where cursor 16 could move in either unexpected directions or even in the opposite direction to what the user expected.
- Lever arm 386 provides the proper tension to ensure detent 382 mates with reference stop 384 .
- Lever arm 386 provides the proper tension to ensure detent 382 mates with reference stop 384 .
- the length, width, and thickness of lever arm 386 to a large degree control the tension or force detent 382 will exert on reference stop 384 .
- the degree of tactile feedback also increases.
- FIG. 4 e is a top view of lever arm 386 showing two adjacent electrically conductive strips 388 , 390 . Each strip extends along the length of lever arm 386 and continues over the substantially hemispherically shaped detent 382 .
- Reference stop 384 as shown in FIG. 4 f also contains a conductive film covering the inner substantially hemispherically shaped surface of reference stop 384 .
- detent 382 When detent 382 is mated with reference stop 384 there is electrical connection between conductive strip 388 and conductive strip 390 putting pointing device 10 in a closed (operational) state.
- the circuit components for processing this switch state information are mounted on cable receiver 24 .
- FIG. 5 a shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention where rotary connector 401 is mounted to cable receiver 24 thereby providing the rotatable mounting necessary for cable receiver 24 to operate and the separation of tracking device 20 and switches 22 from cable receiver 24 .
- tracking device 20 can be any one of the mechanical, opto-mechanical or optical tracking devices described earlier.
- Rotary connector 401 provides the capability of maintaining electrical coupling at a fixed point not on cable receiver 24 and still enable cable 18 windability.
- Also shown in FIG. 5 a is connecting cable 406 which connects rotary connector 401 with tracking device 20 .
- access to cable receiver 24 is provided by thumb wheel 470 shown in both FIGS. 5 a and 4 b .
- Thumb wheel 470 is securely attached to cable receiver 24 such that when thumb wheel 470 is rotated cable receiver 24 is also rotated providing the ability to wind and unwind cable 18 from cable receiver 24 . Thumb wheel 470 protrudes through two slots in the side of base 302 .
- FIG. 5 a also shows connector receiver 460 formed into base 302 , which accepts connector 26 for use in the storage configuration.
- cable guide 462 is also formed into base 302 as shown in FIG. 5 a.
- FIG. 5 b is a planar cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 a where tracking device 20 and switch 22 are mounted to base 302 .
- switch 22 is mounted to base 302 it is also desirable to have switch 22 mounted to a switch bracket as shown previously in FIGS. 4 a and 4 c .
- Switch button 438 is also shown in FIG. 5 b which when depressed activates switch 22 through switch activator 442 .
- Switch button 338 together with cover 304 defines the top exterior surface of housing 30 of pointing device 10 .
- FIG. 5 b also shows cable receiver 24 rotatably mounted to base 302 through spindle 434 .
- FIG. 5 c is a planar cross-sectional view of an embodiment of rotary connector 401 disposed within cable receiver 24 .
- Cable receiver 24 and spindle 434 have a mutual axis of rotation and spindle 434 is affixed to base 302 .
- Cable receiver 24 is rotatably mounted to spindle 434 .
- Disposed around the periphery of spindle 434 are a plurality of electrically conductive rings 474 that are electrically connected to connecting cable 406 . Electrically engaging each ring 474 is electrically conductive wiper 476 that is connected to cable 18 .
- Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous designs of rotary connectors that can also be utilized which fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 d is an end view of pointing device 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 a–b , showing thumb wheel 470 protruding through two slots in the side of base 302 , allowing the user to wind and unwind cable 18 .
- FIG. 6 a shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention where two transducers 510 are mounted on cable receiver 24 and tracking mechanism 520 is disposed within base 302 not attached to cable receiver 24 .
- Cable 18 is connected to rotatable control circuit 572 .
- Control circuitry on rotatable control circuit 572 processes the signal output by transducers 510 and then sends either to computer 12 or directly to display 14 signals controlling the direction and distance of cursor 16 movement on display 14 .
- FIG. 6 b shows detent 582 attached to cable receiver 24 .
- Detent 582 mates with reference stop 584 formed in the inside surface of base 502 . As mentioned in an earlier embodiment, detent 582 and reference 584 ensure that transducers 510 are in proper alignment with tracking mechanism 520 and housing 30 .
- Encoder wheels 520 and 556 are axially mounted on encoder shafts 520 and 522 respectively which are rotatably supported by shaft supports 566 .
- shaft supports 566 extend upwardly from the interior bottom surface of base 302 .
- Encoder wheels 554 and 556 and encoder shafts 520 and 522 are preferably formed together as single parts.
- Encoder shafts 520 and 522 are positioned perpendicular to each other within housing 30 and adjacent to ball 558 . As ball 558 rotates, encoder shafts 520 and 522 rotate accordingly.
- the face of encoder wheel 554 is shown in FIG. 6 c showing alternating reflective and non-reflective surfaces.
- FIG. 6 d An expanded perspective view showing the polygonal edge surface made up of n flat surfaces, where n typically is greater than 20 is shown in FIG. 6 d .
- n 50 to 70, although n could be smaller or larger.
- Transducers 510 as shown in FIG. 6 a each include a paired light-emitting element or LED 550 and light-detecting element or photodetector 552 .
- the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 5 a – 5 b uses encoder wheels 554 and 556 to alternately reflect and not reflect light from LEDs 550 to photodetector 552 . This use of reflected light rather than transmitted light allows transducers 510 to rotate on cable receiver 24 .
- LED 550 alternately reflects and does not reflect off the face of encoder wheel 554 as reflective segments 580 and then non-reflective segments 582 sweep buy creating light pulses that photodetectors 552 convert into electrical pulse signals.
- reflective segments 580 are made from a metal coating and non reflective segments 582 are made from slots formed in encoder wheel 554 .
- Another example for reflective segment 580 would be multilayer non-metallic reflective coatings.
- Other examples for non-reflective segments 582 would be absorbing surfaces such as black or diffuse rough surfaces or some combination thereof.
- reflective segments 580 are flat surfaces coated with a highly reflective metallic coating while non-reflective segments 582 are a roughened black surface which absorbs the majority of light and diffuses any remaining reflected light.
- reflective segments 580 would be multilayer non-metallic reflective coatings.
- non-reflective segments 582 would be either a black surface or a roughened surface by themselves or a spoked wheel arrangement where there is no outer rim holding the spokes together.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Position Input By Displaying (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (28)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/699,792 US7050041B1 (en) | 2000-10-30 | 2000-10-30 | Pointing device with a cable storage winding mechanism |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/699,792 US7050041B1 (en) | 2000-10-30 | 2000-10-30 | Pointing device with a cable storage winding mechanism |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US7050041B1 true US7050041B1 (en) | 2006-05-23 |
Family
ID=36423843
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/699,792 Expired - Lifetime US7050041B1 (en) | 2000-10-30 | 2000-10-30 | Pointing device with a cable storage winding mechanism |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7050041B1 (en) |
Cited By (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20020180701A1 (en) * | 1999-02-22 | 2002-12-05 | Fujitsu Takamisawa Component Limted | Coordinate Input Device Having Rotating Bodies Capable Of Rotating In A Direction Normal To The Rotation Of A Wheel |
US20050168442A1 (en) * | 2004-02-03 | 2005-08-04 | Benq Corporation | Signal input apparatus |
US20060033717A1 (en) * | 2004-06-08 | 2006-02-16 | Beach Lewis S | Optical sensor device |
US20080084394A1 (en) * | 2006-10-10 | 2008-04-10 | Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd. | Device for inputting information |
US20090174655A1 (en) * | 2008-01-07 | 2009-07-09 | Griffin Jason T | Wheeled user input device in cooperation with a handheld electronic communication device |
US20090184194A1 (en) * | 2008-01-21 | 2009-07-23 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Signal conductor installation tool and method |
US20110188184A1 (en) * | 2010-02-03 | 2011-08-04 | Wistron Corporation | Electronic apparatus having a stylus with a cord retractor connected thereto and an assembly of a cord retractor and a stylus |
US20120229386A1 (en) * | 2011-03-11 | 2012-09-13 | Primax Electronics Ltd. | Retractable cable mouse |
CN102681686A (en) * | 2011-03-15 | 2012-09-19 | 致伸科技股份有限公司 | Reel-type mouse |
US20130257730A1 (en) * | 2012-04-02 | 2013-10-03 | Primax Electronics Ltd. | Retractable cable mouse |
US20140132517A1 (en) * | 2012-11-09 | 2014-05-15 | Nvidia Corporation | Portable function-expanding device for electronic device |
US20140176461A1 (en) * | 2012-10-19 | 2014-06-26 | Nokia Corporation | Accessory for an electronic device |
US20150138435A1 (en) * | 2012-09-26 | 2015-05-21 | Fujifilm Corporation | Lens device and imaging apparatus |
US20170235079A1 (en) * | 2007-05-07 | 2017-08-17 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber optic enclosure with external cable spool |
US10247897B2 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2019-04-02 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber optic enclosure with internal cable spool |
US10371914B2 (en) | 2011-06-24 | 2019-08-06 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber termination enclosure with modular plate assemblies |
US10545305B2 (en) | 2012-12-19 | 2020-01-28 | CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA | Distribution device with incrementally added splitters |
US10633022B2 (en) * | 2018-05-25 | 2020-04-28 | Caterpillar Sarl | Track-type machine propulsion system having independent track controls integrated to joysticks |
Citations (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3430886A (en) | 1966-11-10 | 1969-03-04 | Wright & Mcgill Co | Bobbin for fishing lines having means for attachment to similar bobbins |
US4802638A (en) | 1987-07-29 | 1989-02-07 | Motorola, Inc. | Cord stowage apparatus |
US5042159A (en) | 1989-11-27 | 1991-08-27 | Leo Millen | Chalk line retraction device |
US5522691A (en) * | 1993-09-27 | 1996-06-04 | At&T Corp. | Apparatus for manipulating connectors |
NL1003471C1 (en) | 1996-07-01 | 1996-11-08 | Multibedrijven Rotterdam | Length shortening device for household mains cable e.g. for telephones |
US5600719A (en) | 1994-06-27 | 1997-02-04 | Shape Inc. | Portable storage device for a telephone line |
US5672847A (en) * | 1995-11-13 | 1997-09-30 | Piatt; John Allen | Computer cable bender |
JPH09307982A (en) | 1996-05-15 | 1997-11-28 | Sony Corp | Winding device for earphone cord |
US5760766A (en) | 1993-03-29 | 1998-06-02 | International Business Machines Corp. | Pointing device with relocatable cable |
US5828364A (en) | 1995-01-03 | 1998-10-27 | Microsoft Corporation | One-piece case top and integrated switch for a computer pointing device |
US5861873A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1999-01-19 | Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. | Modular portable computer with removable pointer device |
US5914702A (en) | 1996-03-04 | 1999-06-22 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Pointing device with wrap-around buttons |
US5920306A (en) * | 1994-03-11 | 1999-07-06 | Elonex P.L.C. | Method and apparatus for a broadcast pointer system |
US5944292A (en) * | 1998-02-25 | 1999-08-31 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Ergonomical trackball mount |
US5980450A (en) * | 1997-05-07 | 1999-11-09 | Pinotage, Llc | Coupling device for use in an imaging system |
US5992787A (en) | 1997-02-06 | 1999-11-30 | Burke; Donald D. | Cord reel and storage device |
US6020875A (en) * | 1997-10-31 | 2000-02-01 | Immersion Corporation | High fidelity mechanical transmission system and interface device |
US6088021A (en) * | 1998-06-03 | 2000-07-11 | Gateway, Inc. | Peripheral input device having a retractable cord |
US6166722A (en) * | 1996-10-29 | 2000-12-26 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Portable electronic apparatus having pointing device |
US6400353B1 (en) * | 1997-09-18 | 2002-06-04 | Tsuken Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Pointing device |
US6529620B2 (en) * | 2000-09-11 | 2003-03-04 | Pinotage, L.L.C. | System and method for obtaining and utilizing maintenance information |
US6600479B1 (en) * | 2000-07-28 | 2003-07-29 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Input device with cable storage |
US6623433B2 (en) * | 1992-06-30 | 2003-09-23 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Automated longitudinal position translator for ultrasonic imaging probes, and methods of using same |
-
2000
- 2000-10-30 US US09/699,792 patent/US7050041B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3430886A (en) | 1966-11-10 | 1969-03-04 | Wright & Mcgill Co | Bobbin for fishing lines having means for attachment to similar bobbins |
US4802638A (en) | 1987-07-29 | 1989-02-07 | Motorola, Inc. | Cord stowage apparatus |
US5042159A (en) | 1989-11-27 | 1991-08-27 | Leo Millen | Chalk line retraction device |
US5861873A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1999-01-19 | Elonex I.P. Holdings, Ltd. | Modular portable computer with removable pointer device |
US6623433B2 (en) * | 1992-06-30 | 2003-09-23 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Automated longitudinal position translator for ultrasonic imaging probes, and methods of using same |
US5760766A (en) | 1993-03-29 | 1998-06-02 | International Business Machines Corp. | Pointing device with relocatable cable |
US5522691A (en) * | 1993-09-27 | 1996-06-04 | At&T Corp. | Apparatus for manipulating connectors |
US5920306A (en) * | 1994-03-11 | 1999-07-06 | Elonex P.L.C. | Method and apparatus for a broadcast pointer system |
US5600719A (en) | 1994-06-27 | 1997-02-04 | Shape Inc. | Portable storage device for a telephone line |
US5828364A (en) | 1995-01-03 | 1998-10-27 | Microsoft Corporation | One-piece case top and integrated switch for a computer pointing device |
US5672847A (en) * | 1995-11-13 | 1997-09-30 | Piatt; John Allen | Computer cable bender |
US5914702A (en) | 1996-03-04 | 1999-06-22 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Pointing device with wrap-around buttons |
JPH09307982A (en) | 1996-05-15 | 1997-11-28 | Sony Corp | Winding device for earphone cord |
NL1003471C1 (en) | 1996-07-01 | 1996-11-08 | Multibedrijven Rotterdam | Length shortening device for household mains cable e.g. for telephones |
US6166722A (en) * | 1996-10-29 | 2000-12-26 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Portable electronic apparatus having pointing device |
US5992787A (en) | 1997-02-06 | 1999-11-30 | Burke; Donald D. | Cord reel and storage device |
US5980450A (en) * | 1997-05-07 | 1999-11-09 | Pinotage, Llc | Coupling device for use in an imaging system |
US6400353B1 (en) * | 1997-09-18 | 2002-06-04 | Tsuken Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Pointing device |
US6020875A (en) * | 1997-10-31 | 2000-02-01 | Immersion Corporation | High fidelity mechanical transmission system and interface device |
US5944292A (en) * | 1998-02-25 | 1999-08-31 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Ergonomical trackball mount |
US6088021A (en) * | 1998-06-03 | 2000-07-11 | Gateway, Inc. | Peripheral input device having a retractable cord |
US6600479B1 (en) * | 2000-07-28 | 2003-07-29 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Input device with cable storage |
US6529620B2 (en) * | 2000-09-11 | 2003-03-04 | Pinotage, L.L.C. | System and method for obtaining and utilizing maintenance information |
Non-Patent Citations (5)
Title |
---|
How to Use Your New Shape Products-User Guide (Mouse With No Tail Kit); pp. 1-2; by: SHAPE-Shape Global Technology Inc. |
Mouse With No Tail (sku: w024-2); http://www.shapenet.com. |
SONY-MDR-E827G; http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/ss5/portable/accessories/sportheadphones/index.shtml. |
The Apple Store (U.S.); http://store.apple.com/ 1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/243/wo/RmUfS1QvetjDwgcJxp/3.5.0.3.28.1. |
The Spider, 1999 Inventure(tm); www.web.connector http://www.inventured.com/index<SUB>-</SUB>spider.html. |
Cited By (47)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20020180701A1 (en) * | 1999-02-22 | 2002-12-05 | Fujitsu Takamisawa Component Limted | Coordinate Input Device Having Rotating Bodies Capable Of Rotating In A Direction Normal To The Rotation Of A Wheel |
US7142193B2 (en) * | 1999-02-22 | 2006-11-28 | Fujitsu Takamisawa Component Limited | Coordinate input device having rotating bodies capable of rotating in a direction normal to the rotation of a wheel |
US20050168442A1 (en) * | 2004-02-03 | 2005-08-04 | Benq Corporation | Signal input apparatus |
US7423630B2 (en) * | 2004-02-03 | 2008-09-09 | Qisda Corporation | Signal input apparatus |
US20060033717A1 (en) * | 2004-06-08 | 2006-02-16 | Beach Lewis S | Optical sensor device |
US20080084394A1 (en) * | 2006-10-10 | 2008-04-10 | Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd. | Device for inputting information |
US20170235079A1 (en) * | 2007-05-07 | 2017-08-17 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber optic enclosure with external cable spool |
US10627592B2 (en) | 2007-05-07 | 2020-04-21 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber optic assembly with cable spool |
US10788642B2 (en) | 2007-05-07 | 2020-09-29 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber optic assembly with cable storage arrangement |
US11009671B2 (en) * | 2007-05-07 | 2021-05-18 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber optic assembly with cable storage arrangement |
US12019301B2 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2024-06-25 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber optic enclosure with internal cable spool |
US10606015B2 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2020-03-31 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber optic payout assembly including cable spool |
US10247897B2 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2019-04-02 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber optic enclosure with internal cable spool |
US11573390B2 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2023-02-07 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber optic enclosure with internal cable spool |
US10996417B2 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2021-05-04 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber optic enclosure with internal cable spool and movable cover |
US10996418B2 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2021-05-04 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Connecting subscribers to a fiber optic network using a cable spool |
US10895705B2 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2021-01-19 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber optic enclosure with internal cable spool |
US10712518B2 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2020-07-14 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber optic enclosure with lockable internal cable spool |
US10495836B2 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2019-12-03 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber optic payout assembly including cable spool |
US10606017B2 (en) | 2007-08-06 | 2020-03-31 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber optic payout assembly including cable spool |
US7843428B2 (en) * | 2008-01-07 | 2010-11-30 | Research In Motion Limited | Wheeled user input device in cooperation with a handheld electronic communication device |
US20090174655A1 (en) * | 2008-01-07 | 2009-07-09 | Griffin Jason T | Wheeled user input device in cooperation with a handheld electronic communication device |
WO2009094306A3 (en) * | 2008-01-21 | 2009-10-15 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Signal conductor installation tool and method |
US20090184194A1 (en) * | 2008-01-21 | 2009-07-23 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Signal conductor installation tool and method |
WO2009094306A2 (en) * | 2008-01-21 | 2009-07-30 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Signal conductor installation tool and method |
US20110188184A1 (en) * | 2010-02-03 | 2011-08-04 | Wistron Corporation | Electronic apparatus having a stylus with a cord retractor connected thereto and an assembly of a cord retractor and a stylus |
US8462140B2 (en) * | 2010-02-03 | 2013-06-11 | Wistron Corporation | Electronic apparatus having a stylus with a cord retractor connected thereto and an assembly of a cord retractor and a stylus |
US20120229386A1 (en) * | 2011-03-11 | 2012-09-13 | Primax Electronics Ltd. | Retractable cable mouse |
CN102681686A (en) * | 2011-03-15 | 2012-09-19 | 致伸科技股份有限公司 | Reel-type mouse |
CN102681686B (en) * | 2011-03-15 | 2015-04-01 | 致伸科技股份有限公司 | Reel-type mouse |
US11988883B2 (en) | 2011-06-24 | 2024-05-21 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber termination enclosure with modular plate assemblies |
US10502916B2 (en) | 2011-06-24 | 2019-12-10 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber termination enclosure with modular plate assemblies |
US11327262B2 (en) | 2011-06-24 | 2022-05-10 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber termination enclosure with modular plate assemblies |
US11624884B2 (en) | 2011-06-24 | 2023-04-11 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber termination enclosure with modular plate assemblies |
US10935744B2 (en) | 2011-06-24 | 2021-03-02 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber termination enclosure with modular plate assemblies |
US10371914B2 (en) | 2011-06-24 | 2019-08-06 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Fiber termination enclosure with modular plate assemblies |
US8643601B2 (en) * | 2012-04-02 | 2014-02-04 | Primax Electronics Ltd. | Retractable cable mouse |
US20130257730A1 (en) * | 2012-04-02 | 2013-10-03 | Primax Electronics Ltd. | Retractable cable mouse |
US20150138435A1 (en) * | 2012-09-26 | 2015-05-21 | Fujifilm Corporation | Lens device and imaging apparatus |
US9386197B2 (en) * | 2012-09-26 | 2016-07-05 | Fujifilm Corporation | Lens device and imaging apparatus |
US9766729B2 (en) * | 2012-10-19 | 2017-09-19 | Nokia Technologies Oy | Accessory for an electronic device |
US20140176461A1 (en) * | 2012-10-19 | 2014-06-26 | Nokia Corporation | Accessory for an electronic device |
US9223409B2 (en) * | 2012-11-09 | 2015-12-29 | Nvidia Corporation | Portable function-expanding device for electronic device |
US20140132517A1 (en) * | 2012-11-09 | 2014-05-15 | Nvidia Corporation | Portable function-expanding device for electronic device |
CN103810129A (en) * | 2012-11-09 | 2014-05-21 | 辉达公司 | Portable function extension equipment for electronic equipment |
US10545305B2 (en) | 2012-12-19 | 2020-01-28 | CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA | Distribution device with incrementally added splitters |
US10633022B2 (en) * | 2018-05-25 | 2020-04-28 | Caterpillar Sarl | Track-type machine propulsion system having independent track controls integrated to joysticks |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7050041B1 (en) | Pointing device with a cable storage winding mechanism | |
US6600479B1 (en) | Input device with cable storage | |
US5790100A (en) | Broadcast pointer device with add-on sleeve | |
US10782792B2 (en) | 3D pointing devices with orientation compensation and improved usability | |
US10514776B2 (en) | 3D pointing devices and methods | |
US10534450B2 (en) | Stylus with magnetic induction wheel | |
US8072424B2 (en) | 3D pointing devices with orientation compensation and improved usability | |
EP2337016B1 (en) | Free space pointing devices with tilt compensation and improved usability | |
US7489299B2 (en) | User interface devices and methods employing accelerometers | |
US20030184521A1 (en) | Mouse with storage section for cord and the like | |
US6088021A (en) | Peripheral input device having a retractable cord | |
US20100045604A1 (en) | Mouse device | |
CN1973316A (en) | Free space pointing devices with tilt compensation and improved usability | |
US20050264542A1 (en) | Stylus with function key | |
US20030107552A1 (en) | Computer mouse with dual functionality | |
US7626572B2 (en) | Soap mobile electronic human interface device | |
KR100740282B1 (en) | Optical mouse | |
KR20080008217A (en) | Information inputting device and inputting method therefore | |
US20080018622A1 (en) | Information inputting device and inputting method therefor | |
KR20030071330A (en) | Mouse for computer | |
JPH0581931B2 (en) | ||
KR100809978B1 (en) | Mouse receptable electronical apparatus | |
JPH10320111A (en) | Optical coordinate input device | |
KR100495688B1 (en) | Pen type optical mouse | |
WO2000068772A1 (en) | Mouse with retractable cord |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY, COLORADO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SMITH, DAVID L.;YIN, MEMPHIS ZHIHONG;DEROCHER, MICHAEL D.;REEL/FRAME:011606/0722;SIGNING DATES FROM 20001025 TO 20001030 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY L.P., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:014061/0492 Effective date: 20030926 Owner name: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY L.P.,TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:014061/0492 Effective date: 20030926 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1553) Year of fee payment: 12 |